Dave Simonett - Red Tail (2020)

Almost two decades into a prolific career, Dave Simonett still leans into a microphone like hes counting on a stranger. Guitar slung at the ready, hes comfortable but bemused. Whether hes fronting beloved acoustic roots kings Trampled By Turtles or acclaimed side project Dead Man Winter, Simonett has an ideal songwriters voicea beautiful but subtle workhorse thats easy to take for granted. But ultimately, hes right to point to his songs, because oh, what songs they are: Conversational and poetic, his lines lilt with aching cadence as they land like phrases someone would actually say. Its art that feels real.